Aqua-Weed Control Inc. Chemical Aquatic Weed and Algae Control

Safety Issues

All chemical application work is done under guidelines set by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), and other State agencies.

Safety
At Aqua-Weed Control Inc., safety is a top priority, both for our customers, our employees, and the environment. In an effort to insure safe operations, Aqua-Weed Control employees are certified by the MDA.

Aqua-Weed Control maintains close relationships with manufacturers, suppliers, industry and academic institutions to assure that weed and algae control techniques are current, as safe as possible, and offer the greatest chance for success.

To enhance safe operations, the herbicides and algaecides used by Aqua-Weed Control are registered by the EPA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and approved for use by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

Consider the following:

The pesticide industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. Before a product is registered by the EPA, it must be rigorously tested for potential human health and environmental effects. This process can take up to 10 years and involve up to 120 different tests and studies. Today, manufacturers may invest as much as $30-$50 million or more in product testing before a new pesticide is introduced to the market. These tests are required, designed, and reviewed by the EPA scientists and are conducted according to EPA standards. Check out the EPA site link on the "Products" page for more information about the product registration process.

The restrictions placed on your lake or pond by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality after a treatment are, in almost all cases, more restrictive than those indicated on the label of the products we use. Note that currently no swimming restriction is required by the EPA on the label of any of the aquatic herbicides used in Michigan. This fact alone speaks volumes about the safety level of these products when used according to their labels!

The table below is a comparison of the water use restrictions placed on the chemicals by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality versus the EPA.

Herbicides have a short half-life in water and breakdown through several methods, as shown in the table below.

For additional product, permitting, or general information contact the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Water Division, Aquatic Nuisance Control at: MDEQ Inland Lakes and Remedial Action Unit